By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent .
CAMP Evangelista yesterday rejected the prospects of negotiations between the government and communist rebels for the release of two soldiers and 12 militiamen who were taken captive following a raid in New Tubigon, Sibagat town in Agusan del Sur, on Wednesday.
“Attached to their act of kidnapping is the responsibility for their hostages’ lives,” said Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division.
Villanueva said the New People’s Army raid and subsequent capture of the soldiers and militiamen only showed the “insincerity” of communist rebels to forge a peace agreement with the government.
The raid was carried out barely a week before the unilateral ceasefire declared by the National Democratic Front would take effect. The government did not reciprocate.
The two soldiers taken as “prisoners of war” by the rebels are Cpl. Eric Manangan and Pfc. Darlino Carino Jr..
Rebels also carted away 23 assorted high-powered firearms and communication equipment from the detachment.
Villanueva said members of a military board of inquiry were in Agusan del Sur to investigate and determine how the NPA rebels were able to easily stage the raid without resistance.
He said some military personnel could be held liable if established that they were lax.
“Those personnel involved, if proven by the BOI that they have neglected their duty, will be meted with the maximum punishment under the military justice system,” said Villanueva. “If provisions of the Articles of War warrants, I will shoot them myself. Incidents such as this happened because of soldiers who deliberately disregarded existing standard procedures and orders.”
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
